JAMES JOHNSTON
Windsor,PA
Summary
Accomplished Chief Program Officer and Director offering 20 years of experience in combining cross-functional competencies in staff management, operations planning, customer retention and financial management. Expert in boosting revenue, expanding programming, quality and performance. Successful in creating and executing standard operating policies and procedures to positively impact organizational goals. Dependable leader with skills to develop, coach, lead and motivate staff while interfacing with CEO and executives on all levels. Compelling leadership skills, excellent classroom management, relationship building skills, leadership skills, conflict resolution, team management, reliable, dedicated, trustworthy and works collaboratively in a positive manor with others.
Overview
20
20
years of professional experience
Work History
Chief Program Officer
YWCA York
01.2023 - Current
- Responsible for oversight of over 80 staff, 550 children and students in multiple onsite and offsite programs including indoor camp programs, an outdoor 227 acre camp program, School Age programs, Infant Toddler program, ITCS grant (Infant Toddler Contracted Spots), Pre-K grant including a 265 slot Pre-K Counts grant.
- Oversight of NAEYC process in accredited center
- Oversight of Keystone 4 Star's process in a 4 Star Center
- Oversight of PKC grant generating $2.65 million per year.
- Oversight of the ITCS grant generating $260,000.00 per year.
- Managed relationships with partner organizations and led integration of program models with internal programs.
- Fostered team cohesiveness, positive workplace culture and support of staff.
- Collaborated with senior leadership team to implement special organizational projects, increasing programming and organizational capacities.
- Kept programs in line with established mission parameters.
- Collaborated with finance department to budget and monitor programs, ensuring sound fiscal and system management.
- Mentored 6 directors and coordinators to improve program management.
- Used Pelican and eGrants to ensure and maintain licensing, budgets, fiscal requirements, budgets, etc. with Department of Human Services (DHS) and PA Department of Education (PDE).
- Use ProCare for childcare billing.
- Collaborated with multiple local school districts ensuring MOU's are up to date.
- Ensured all local and state reporting deadlines and requirements were submitted on time.
- Led education staff with professional development in-services.
- Led organization through annual state inspection process ensuring childcare programs received their license needed to run high quality programming.
Pre-K Counts Director
YWCA York
10.2014 - Current
- Responsible for the operations of 1.65-million-dollar per year Pre-K Counts grant program, including expansion, staffing, following state PDE, DHS and NAEYC guidelines for high-quality programming.
- Oversight of 26 staff including 9 lead teachers with Level 1 and Level II Teaching Certifications.
- Set and maintained the Pre-K Count's budget.
- Submitted Quarterly Expenditure Reports (QER).
- Submitted the Financial Accounting Information (FAI).
- Submitted the Final Expenditure Report (FER).
- Make sure budget revision is completed when needed and the grant balances.
- Managed all grant narratives, annual reports and staffing.
- Engaged with parents and families to build positive relationships for children to thrive.
- Operated under licensing guidelines to protect health, safety and well-being of children.
- Planned and monitored curriculum and program activities and liaised with teachers to create fun and engaging learning experiences.
- Supervised and managed team of childcare professionals to guarantee highest standards of care.
- Developed relationships with community organizations to provide additional resources and services to families.
- Evaluated staff and offered guidance to enhance knowledge, skills, and professional development to optimize learning environment.
- Managed program paperwork and child records to comply with state requirements.
- Communicated with local and state government agencies to maintain compliance with all regulations.
- Resolved conflicts and administered corrective action to foster positive experience for children and staff.
- Recruited, selected, and retained high-quality staff to reduce turnover and foster stability.
- Attended approved training and continuing education courses to maintain certifications.
- Furnished facility with supplies, equipment, food and materials to foster social and cognitive development.
- Adhered to budgetary guidelines to set financial goals and maintain school profitability.
- Maintained 100% fully staffed at all times.
- Stayed 100% enrolled at all times.
- Kept a lengthy waitlist at all times.
- Oversaw safety requirements, inspection, and certification procedures to facilitate annual licensing review.
- Supervised childcare workers and oversaw facility to meet state requirements for education and training.
- Maintained high-quality child care standards based on developmentally appropriate practices.
- Attended professional meetings and conferences to maintain and improve professional competence.
- Created weekly staff schedules.
- Completed weekly payroll for staff.
- Oversight of classroom use of Teaching Strategies Gold for child assessment.
- Oversight of classroom use of Creative Curriculum.
- Oversight of Ages and Stages (ASQ) assessment tool.
- Oversight of PATHS-Promoting Alternative Thinking Strategies in classrooms.
- Created and led family events and field trips.
- Management of staff files updating all required clearances, physical and TB test, required annual trainings, annual staff evaluations, First Aid, etc.
- Management of state required child files for all children in programming.
Family Relations Coordinator
YWCA York
08.2013 - Current
- Worked with community resources to engage youth in pro-social activities and help families access services.
- Partnered with families and provided engagement and involvement activities that were culturally responsive.
- Supported teachers and staff with children's needs.
- Supported children and families.
- Hosted family events such as Cultural Diner, Family Fun Night, Movie Night, Pie Fest, Cocoa and Cookies, End of the Year Picnic, etc.
- Attended and participated staff meetings and training seminars.
- Built solid and trusting rapport with children and families, fostering trust and communication to meet needs.
Early Childhood Educator
YWCA York
01.2004 - Current
- Implemented hands-on, play-based strategies such as games and crafts for experiential learning
- Organized and led activities to promote physical, mental and social development.
- Maintained and fostered positive and constructive interactions with staff, families, and children.
- Applied play-based strategies to provide diverse approaches to learning.
- Communicated with parents and other staff about student progress.
- Implemented developmentally and culturally appropriate curriculum for children, creating positive, and safe classroom environments.
- Consulted with parents to build and maintain positive support networks and support continuing education strategies.
- Sanitized toys and play equipment each day to maintain safety and cleanliness.
- Gave one-on-one attention to children while maintaining overall focus on entire group.
- Enhanced sensory and perceptual-motor skills, language, cognition, and memory development, by employing both traditional and modern educational strategies and techniques.
- Observed children to identify individuals in need of additional support and developed strategies to improve assistance.
- Maintained well-controlled classrooms by clearly outlining standards and reinforcing positive behaviors.
- Promoted physical, academic, and social development by implementing diverse classroom and outside activities.
- Coached, supervised and mentored education staff, imparting classroom knowledge to build strong skill sets.
- Modeled positive behavior and communication skills for students.
- Guided students to develop social, emotional and physical skills.
- Organized and supervised large and small group activities.
- Created safe and nurturing learning environment for preschoolers.
- Monitored classroom to verify safe and secure environment.
- Collaborated with teachers, parents and administrators to facilitate positive outcomes for students.
- Protected children in-class, at recess and off-site with observational skills and positive reinforcement for good behavior.
- Utilized creative teaching strategies to engage students in classroom.
Education
Director Credential -
Edinboro University of Pennsylvania
Edinboro, PA08.2017
Associate of Arts - Early Childhood Education
Penn State
05.2013
Skills
- Program Updates
- Service Delivery
- Expense Reports
- Office Meetings
- Family Interaction and relationships
- Fiscal Reporting
- Staff Support
- Budgeting and Financial Management
- Leadership and Staff Development
Timeline
Chief Program Officer
YWCA York
01.2023 - Current
Pre-K Counts Director
YWCA York
10.2014 - Current
Family Relations Coordinator
YWCA York
08.2013 - Current
Early Childhood Educator
YWCA York
01.2004 - Current
Director Credential -
Edinboro University of Pennsylvania
Associate of Arts - Early Childhood Education
Penn State
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